The 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

More than 1,300 people turned out for the sold-out, 36th annual Na Hoku Hanohano music awards gala last night at the Hawaii Convention Center. The Hokus, as you may know, are the Hawaii equivalent of the Grammy Awards, so entertainers from around the state were a big part of the crowd.

The big winners this year were Na Hoa, a trio comprised of Keoni Souza, Ikaika Blackburn, and Halehaku Seabury, who walked away with four Hokus: most promising artist, album of the year, group of the year and Hawaiian music album of the year. Other musicians who won multiple awards include Amy Hanaiali’i, Brittni Paiva, Kuana Torres Kahele, Dennis Kamakahi, Weldon Kekauoha, Nathan Aweau, and Manu Boyd.

Na Hoku Hanohano 2013

If you want to listen to some of the performances from last night while you browse our photos, just click on the videos below. Many of the performances were collaborations between artists who had never played together before, sometimes from different genres.

Ukulele All Stars Taimane Gardner, Kalei Gamiao and Brittni Paiva together on stage:

Nathan Aweau and Hawaiian swing band Kahulanui had not only never played together on stage, they didn’t even practice for this collaboration at the awards show:

Kamakakehau Fernandez and Sunway performing together:

Local rock band The Dukes of Surf put a spin on nostalgia with this performance:

About Melissa Chang

Melissa has been blogging regularly since 2007 and has more than 25 years’ experience in marketing and public relations. She is currently an independent marketing consultant, specializing in social media.